Splashy Fen in South Africa: Music in the Drakensberg under the stars
Splashy Fen is a beloved South African music festival held on a pastoral farm near Underberg in the southern Natal Midlands and Drakensberg. Since 1990 it has built a reputation for easygoing hospitality and mountain magic: mornings of mist and birdsong, afternoons of guitar-driven sets, and nights of sky-wide constellations.
The setting lies within the greater Maloti-Drakensberg World Heritage area, and the festival proudly calls itself the country's longest-running music festival.
Historical Background
The first Splashy Fen took place in 1990 when local music lovers turned a farm meadow into a stage with a view. What began as a small folk and rock gathering grew steadily into a national institution, with renowned South African artists and international guests appearing over the decades. Notable names with ties to the festival include Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Vusi Mahlasela, Prime Circle, and The Parlotones, among many others who have helped define the modern soundscape of the country.
A significant milestone came in 2016, when event specialists Impi Live took over operations, refreshing production and programming while keeping the festival's laid-back soul intact. Their stewardship added new stages, stronger logistics, and a broader mix of genres without losing the friendly, family-first ethos that Splashy Fen fans cherish.
Typical Activities
Top activities during Splashy Fen center on its multi-stage music program and outdoor lifestyle. Across four days you can amble from sunlit acoustic sets to high-energy evening shows, discovering rising voices, legacy acts, and collaborative jams. In recent years the festival has operated six stages and programmed hundreds of performers, which means there is always a groove to follow—folk, rock, indie-pop, and a growing share of electronic and dance-friendly sounds.
Beyond the stages, the site fills with food trucks, artisan roasters, and craft stalls; mornings may bring yoga or gentle river swims, and the afternoons are perfect for scenic walks to viewpoints at the edge of the valley. Families spread out on picnic rugs; friends gather at pop-up cafés; and musicians often mingle with fans at the market between sets. While the program evolves each year, the rhythm stays constant: music, mountains, and a sense of community.
Traditional Customs
While Splashy Fen is a contemporary festival, it is woven through with traditional customs in South Africa. Expect the easy ritual of a braai around camp, the snap of boerewors rolls on grills, and Durban favorites like bunny chow offered by vendors. You will also hear strands of local styles—maskandi's lilting guitar lines and the rich choral heritage of isicathamiya—echoing through lineups and late-night singalongs, even when the headliners lean rock or pop.
For context on these cultural threads, see background on boerewors, bunny chow, maskandi, and isicathamiya. And if you are new to the region, reading about the Maloti-Drakensberg Park helps explain why the landscape feels so sacred to many communities.
What to Expect
Setting & seasons. Splashy Fen unfolds on rolling pastureland laced by a clear river, with dramatic basalt ramparts on the skyline. April in Underberg typically brings mild days and crisp nights—pack layers for a swing from roughly 20-22°C daytime highs to single-digit lows after dark. A light rain shell and warm sleeping gear make nights infinitely cozier.
Stages & schedules. Music usually starts by late morning and runs into the night; the site map and running order are released close to opening day. A good strategy is to choose one must-see act per evening, then wander freely—serendipity is part of Splashy Fen's charm. Look out for collaborative moments, surprise acoustic sessions, and the late-night dance zones.
Camping & upgrades. Your festival pass includes general camping—arrive early, pick a flat spot, and set up near friends. If you prefer extra comfort, consider upgrades such as powered sites, river campsites, family camping, or glamping options offered by partners like Harambee and Camp Khapela. These often sell out ahead of time, so book early.
Etiquette & safety. Splashy Fen operates with simple ground rules that keep the valley pristine: no glass on site, quiet car boot music hours overnight, respect private farmland, and do not use soap in the river. Drones require approval, and security teams and medics are on duty. Everyone carries their own trash to the nearest point—pack a few extra bags.
Payments & connectivity. Bars and vendors accept cards and mobile payments, but load-shedding and patchy signal can make transactions tricky, so bring backup cash for stalls and emergencies.
Getting there. Underberg is a scenic drive from Durban via the N3 and R617; many visitors fly into Durban's King Shaka International Airport (DUR) and rent a car for the last stretch. Once in the area, consider extending your trip to tackle the legendary Sani Pass into Lesotho (4x4 recommended) or to hike sections of the Drakensberg trails.
Tickets. Passes typically go on sale months in advance with phased pricing (early bird, general, and upgrades). For current details and a secure checkout, start with the festival's ticket info or the official Howler event listing.
Nearby highlights. Between sets, explore Underberg's cafés, farm stalls, and fishing spots; after the festival, road trip the Midlands Meander for craft breweries and studios, or base yourself in the park to hunt for San rock art under the guidance of registered local guides. Background on the park's universal value is a helpful primer for first-time visitors.
Conclusion
Splashy Fen in South Africa offers a rare blend of mountains, music, and mellow camaraderie—an easy add to any Africa-bound itinerary.
If you want a festival where nature frames every chorus, this is it. Start planning with the official info and passes, then bring your sense of adventure and a warm jacket for those clear Drakensberg nights.